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Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani won't pitch for ‘some time' because of left knee irritation
By Mike Fitzpatrick | Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 19, 2026
· 2 min read
Shohei Ohtani won’t make his next scheduled start on the mound because of left knee irritation and isn’t expected back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation for a while.
The two-way superstar received a lubricant injection in the knee just before the All-Star break last week and had been expect...
Key takeaway Ohtani, however, still didn’t feel 100% while playing catch this weekend, so he and the Dodgers decided not to even test the knee with a bullpen session.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The loss of Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers' rotation will be felt deeply in Los Angeles, where fans have grown accustomed to the two-way star's electrifying performances on the mound and at the plate. As the team navigates a critical stretch of the season, Ohtani's absence will test the Dodgers' pitching depth and potentially impact their chances in the competitive National League West. With a sizable following in the Los Angeles area, Ohtani's injury will also be closely monitored by local fans who have adopted him as one of their own. The fact that Ohtani can still contribute as a hitter will provide some solace, but his value to the team is greatly diminished when he's not pitching. As the Dodgers look to make a push for the playoffs, they'll need to find ways to compensate for Ohtani's missing production on the mound.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Shohei Ohtani won’t make his next scheduled start on the mound because of left knee irritation and isn’t expected back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation for a while.
The two-way superstar received a lubricant injection in the knee just before the All-Star break last week and had been expect...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mike Fitzpatrick | Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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